A Spanish magazine landed themselves in the middle of a racial controversy over a Photoshopped picture of First Lady Michelle Obama on the cover of their latest issue. The picture places Mrs Obama’s face in a 1800 portrait of a slave with an exposed breast. The editors may have had a different message in mind given the historical context of the particular painting, but that sentiment was overlooked by online viewers who found the composite offensive and racist.

The portrait in question was initially released 1800, when French artist Marie-Guillemine Benoist exhibited the painting, titled Portrait D’Une Négresse, at the Louvre’s annual salon. It was viewed as a inspiring image because the country had abolished slavery six years prior, and the portrait was thought of as an uplifting symbol of both women’s and black people’s rights. In keeping with the true meaning, the accompanying article translates to ‘Michelle Granddaughter of a Slave, Lady of America’. Both Mrs Obama’s great-great grandfather and great-great-great grandmother were slaves. From the preview of the article appears to be glowing- touting the axiom that ‘behind every great man is a great woman’- but the full piece has yet to be released online.

What do you think? Is this picture racist? Or can you see the underlying message